Interesting rant. I'm always learning even at 73. However I care less about the competition that is promoted in the US. I play for me and enjoy the time. It helped me through the service in 69 and with the loss of my wife in 2016 to illness. Music is joyful and fulfilling.
@nickcirillo6191
2 жыл бұрын
Truth
@sideman7117
Жыл бұрын
I can’t add to that. My life experiences support your comment. For me, it was late-night therapy to deal with stress from work and family situations. Although it still functions that way, I find unspeakable joy when I’m playing my guitar-any time, day or night.
@donaldgossett1736
10 ай бұрын
I agree about the competition factor. I’m about the same age. Music, to me, is about personal joy and getting to my personal best.
@BisonArmory
Жыл бұрын
Brilliant. I think I can summarize: Play for beauty and joy, not for pride.
@neiles335
Ай бұрын
Perhaps we should look at 'levels' as signposts along the road of our own musical journey. While I think a certain level of dissatisfaction with our own skill level drives us forward to achieve greater things, I try not to let a label dampen my enjoyment of playing. Btw, @Tim Lerch I'm current enjoying your Jazz Blues Foundations course, learning a lot and as you say, having fun with it 😊 . Thank you, Sir.
@ericwilliamson9869
2 жыл бұрын
Seriously?! This video released on the day when I was getting down on myself for not being better at scales and technical exercises. You really are the best. Thank you for this.
@TimLerchGuitar
2 жыл бұрын
So glad to be of service. 😇
@benjaminholt6640
2 жыл бұрын
I always feel I need to get better at some technical thing or another then remember that it's about the music. Just gotta focus on the music...
@Sammywhat
2 жыл бұрын
For what it's worth, if you feel the playing is a little stodgy at times, try alternate tunings. Even a simple Drop D tuning can open up a world of ideas. Or try playing without a pick for a few days. I've been playing for 50 plus years and one thing I know, Tim is telling the truth! And his timing IS perfect - as is his wisdom!! 👍
@sideman7117
Жыл бұрын
I enjoy the “process.” I even enjoy the physical feeling of my fingers touching the strings. I had performance anxiety at one point, and, during an interview with Robben Ford, asked him for advice. He said simply, “F*** ‘em (i.e., the audience), just play!”
@@newgunguy4176 It's like an ES-330 or a really fancy Epiphone Casino. No center block and dual P-90s.
@augustusbetucius2931
2 ай бұрын
Spoken like a true zen/Buddhist practitioner. The supramundane rather than the mundane. I've heard the same advice about meditation. Beginner's mind.
@tony.worswick
2 жыл бұрын
'the progress takes care of itself if you enjoy the process '. Wise words indeed. That was an amazing and enlightening video, thank you.
@user-he3ns1oz3s
16 күн бұрын
This is a very wise opinion, Tim. I wholeheartedly agree - I know nothing, but I thoroughly enjoy my music!! :) Rich Alvey UK
@thomasradcliffe298
2 жыл бұрын
Reminds me of the writer Allan Watts . He said, don’t try , just be. For guitarist don’t try be a guitarist…. Just be one! and make music however simplistic or intricate.
@DeGroove
5 ай бұрын
If you understand this idea, you’re always next level. Thanks for sharing this thoughtful insight Tim. Take care.
@dogman5680
Жыл бұрын
Anyone else think about Bob Ross when watching this? Enjoy like a child playing in the muck…brilliant!
@steveburchfield5576
2 жыл бұрын
When I was a freshman at Berklee many guitar students thought you Must have an archtop to be a Real jazz guitarist. Then we saw and heard Lenny Breau with a Hagstrom 12 string with 6 strings on it . He proved our theory wrong. And he opened with Dont Think Twice by Dylan instead of a jazz standard. Didnt that guy hear about the Jazz Sheriff? Guess not.
@chankjazz
2 жыл бұрын
This video was interrupted by an ad promising to take my soloing to a new level, no lie!
@TimLerchGuitar
2 жыл бұрын
Yep that’s what I’m talking about.
@beerbikesandblues
Жыл бұрын
100% agree. I strive to improve quickly so I can play clear and confidently and not drive my neighbors nuts and let them enjoy the occasional guitar from time to time. When it storms out, I play like a jerk on loud. Haha. No one hears (I think)
@fivewattworld
2 жыл бұрын
Preach it Tim!
@BigSimBlues
5 ай бұрын
Thanks for this « little rambling »… it helped me enjoy playing guitar today ❤ You’re kind of the jazz version of what @ActiveMelody channel is for blues… You both make me want to appreciate playing guitar « at my current level » 👍
@steveburchfield5576
2 жыл бұрын
Even John Scofield is still working on Louie,Louie!!! See end of Beato interview and listen!!!
@mannoplanet
Жыл бұрын
nice... f'ing zen, Tim. Tonight as I was heading home I was thinking maybe I should learn Spanish to relax and I think wait, what happened to guitar for relaxation? For 40 years I said I wouldn't "study" guitar and then the last 10 I studied jazz. With mixed results. Sometimes I think I've forgotten how to play guitar all together. So thank you for reminding us what its all about.
@srinip
2 ай бұрын
A more important guitar video I have yet to see. I accidentally discovered (at age 69) recently, primarily due to my right hand being hit with severe chronic tendonitis, that developing chops for it's own sake is a loser's game. If those chops don't help you make the music that's raging in your head, then those chops are useless. Lee Ritenour said something similar in one of his interviews, where he suggested that no matter what "level" you think you've managed to reach, always try to make music. That way, you'll always be a winner. I think Eric Johnson may have said something along those lines too. Thank you so much for reminding all of us (well, me..!!) about the real reason we play music.
@thomaskaiser6392
2 жыл бұрын
How very Zen of you Tim, a lesson that can be applied to many facets of our lives.
@michealsebulsky
2 жыл бұрын
I, a part of the anonymous masses, have always enjoyed your playing. I believe I first found your work due to my love for Ted Greene. I think Ted would be proud of you for this video, Tim. What you lay out here is an accurate representation of how mindful expression and intuitive learning can impact our musical experiences. This is powerful stuff. I think that what you are interpreting as "levels" has a lot to do with personal guilt. You make comments about the comparison (not being as good as someone else (Joe Bonamassa and playing the "wiggly wiggly" lick). From my experience, the levels-learning approach is taught as a crude version of self-assessment, where self = can you play this lick exactly? What you lay out here is a bona fide counter method to guilt, one that allows students to learn at their own pace, while noting their steady progress. Nothing could be more authentic. Who wouldn't want that instead of guilt and levels? Brilliant work, Tim. Thanks again for sharing these thoughts. So how should a student change their perception from a level-based approach? What would you recommend, Tim?
@TimLerchGuitar
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you. I would suggest examining the process rather than being obsessed with progress. If you are really “ in it” the progress takes care of itself.
@rodnyg7952
2 жыл бұрын
true, constantly striving to get to some higher level at any point in learning music is futile. If you do, then you aren't in the moment, and will never truly enjoy, appreciate or share what you're doing now. Learning music is something we do over the course of a lifetime before we're too old to do it anymore. And, the only concern I have about that is who will eventually get all my guitars
@paulgerards6494
2 жыл бұрын
Bullseye: you got a point! Healing !!
@OG_Mereles
2 жыл бұрын
This is some high level wisdom right here.
@TimLerchGuitar
2 жыл бұрын
I see what you did there 😆
@meadish
2 жыл бұрын
A good reminder. Thank you for levelling with us. :D
@georgechristiansen6785
Жыл бұрын
I often wonder how much being easily amused plays into one's longevity in playing an instrument. I think it really benefited me to honestly be able to just enjoy making melodies with the open strings before I even owned a guitar...., but also have a drive towards excellence. Same thing when I learned to play cowboy chords or movable barre chords or to play by key or shell chords or how to use chromaticism............
@joelshields8807
6 ай бұрын
I've played things on guitar for 35 years and was in several loud rock bands. Last year I quit my last band (as of now), and I feel like I've learned the guitar all over again. My focus as a performing guitarist and vocalist was on getting my parts right, but I had stopped exploring or really trying to connect with the instrument. I rarely picked it up outside of band practice unless we had a big show coming up or a particular song that was giving me trouble. I did my part capably, but not much more than that. I knew just enough theory to get by, and I went decades without truly practicing in a mindful way. When the band stuff ended, I got back the the joy when I set aside the productivity mindset: having to *do* things with my playing, as in make records, form new bands, play shows etc. I just started playing to play. And it also feels like I've improved drastically as a player over the last year, despite that not directly being the goal. I started practicing with more structure and focus than I ever had before. I push myself, but not in a way that is at all competitive. I just want to make music that sounds good to me. I get up early and have a one-hour practice routine that I reevaluate weekly with an emphasis on slow playing, tone, fundamentals, and a few songs/riffs that I want to fine-tune. I approach it like meditation - alert but relaxed. A great way to start the day and I can't wait to plug in my guitar when I wake up.
@mattwoods3185
2 жыл бұрын
You are a very wise man , Mr. Lerch.
@salparadise8581
2 жыл бұрын
Yeah deffo identify with the idea of levels/comparisons which is a hangover from School's /universities and kinda perpetuated throughout formative life experience ...
@politicus56
Жыл бұрын
Perhaps the best piece of advice one could get. A story: A student goes to a Zen master and says, "Master, I want peace. how do i get it?" The master replies: first get rid of "I". That is ego. Then get rid of 'want'. That is desire. what are you left with?" This talk is the essence of Zen Mind, Beginners Mind. In the mind of the beginner all things are possible. In the expert's mind there are limited options. Most of us, including myself are guilty of being competitive at the expense of being joyfully creative. Learn the craft but remember why you are doing this. Thank you, Tim. As usual you are a bright light in the wilderness.
@DARKLYLIT
2 жыл бұрын
Very kind, generous chat Tim. Wondering if you wouldn't mind speaking a little bit about overwhelm with regards to how much there really is(has always been) to learn? Totally agree about "finding joy-in-process" and accepting where one is in the process but some of us have literally spent a lifetime struggling with (and avoiding) feeling overwhelmed by the amount that there is to learn. I'm in my mid-fifties now and only began to hang up the "hair shirt" a few years ago. The decades I have spent comparing myself to others feels like such wasted time but I suppose it's part of the process as well. We only know what we know, when we know it. It certainly is an education (life, that is...)
@jimkangas4176
2 жыл бұрын
My example of this are those musicians (no names) who try to impress people by playing tune XYZ at 400 bpm. Generally speaking, I hate that. Those people also tend to play the head, then solo in the exact same way that they would over ANY song. I like to improvise too, but great melodies are what people tend to remember.
@jmal5390
2 жыл бұрын
A very timely reminder for myself. Thanks
@Pathological_Flyer
10 ай бұрын
I like the way you think. Thanks.
@wadecottingham
2 жыл бұрын
Jeff Bridges could play you in your bio-pic. Thanks for this video!!!
@jantonisito
Жыл бұрын
Music is about creating magic. Complexity is fascinating but is not magic. Not even substitute for magic. I think what is more important than "level" is experience. And experience means the ability to be creative on stage without yielding to a pressure to try to play above your ability - playing too many meaningless notes. When I go to a jazz jam I am fully aware I cannot fool professional musicians that are with me on stage - I can play a lot of notes but they will see right through it. What I can do is play something that is melodic and evokes emotion - and it does not matter how many notes it packs. And maybe every now and then it touches magic too. PS. And yes - you need to play every notes as if it was the most beautiful sound ever produced. Sure - you may end up failing but if you do not approach it like that then you are setting yourself for failure. Attitude and conviction are big part of success.
@bigdaddystinkeye
2 жыл бұрын
You are blessed by the Universe. P-90s! Cool guitar.
@Alanoffer
11 ай бұрын
Wow that collings is a special looking guitar . And sounding
@Korsaro1
2 жыл бұрын
Thank for your words and feeling for music
@duyle8921
3 ай бұрын
Thanks for the reminder. Such an important lesson
@jpj1776
2 жыл бұрын
Hearing this has taken me to another level
@davidmcguirt7674
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for this. Had not watched this one and today was the day I needed to hear exactly this.
@tommasoragghianti7735
10 ай бұрын
Been playing guitar for many years with a long break in the middle. That break I took from the instrument truly helped me get the joy back into it. I used to be the "I'm supposed to learn this, I'm supposed to learn that" kind of person and always felt frustrated. After a few years, I took my guitar back out of the case and started with a new mindset. The key for me is "what is it that I want to express with my music? Can I do it freely? If yes, good, if not, what am I missing? What technique or piece of theory would help me achieve my goal?". This has changed my playing completely. I got back to learning how to fret triads because I wanted them to sound beautiful and that practice taught me much more than I ever learned before. Learning with joy is the key, find the beauty in what you do and you'll be fine
@deeman524
10 ай бұрын
Perfectly said Sir: However; I only have 1 level: and that is to master my Fred Sokolow lessons until I remember and play them perfectly, then if that doesn't pack out the Stadium, then I guess I'm better than the Stadium
@matthewcasey892
2 жыл бұрын
Yes, thanks.
@dificilhueco
2 жыл бұрын
thank you for reminding us of the joy of music 😊
@donnymac575
2 жыл бұрын
yeah man, I hadn't played for a couple years because of this reason. It became just like another job and joyless.
@rsb62rsb
9 ай бұрын
Thank you Tim.
@jeffhildreth9244
2 жыл бұрын
Bingo ! Thanks Tim
@mwicks1968
2 жыл бұрын
HEAR, HEAR!!! I’ve never understood the need to measure ourselves - I play as it’s an adventure and it brings me joy! 👏👏👏
@suzannemichell7985
Жыл бұрын
Hello Tim, I think what you said here is very important... I am 74 years old now and retired. I began my guitar adventure in 1960. After earning a degree in music and in education I talk guitar, songwriting, and composition for 45 years... I always believed the most important thing to instill in music students was a true understanding of the joy of music. It doesn’t matter if you were a concert performer or a front porch picker! The important thing is the fun. That wonderful feeling that lifts you from the Mundine to something really wonderful..Thank you so much for your comments
@1965zimmy
Жыл бұрын
Great talk. Lot of wisdom. I'm going to have to come back to this one regularly when I get down on my ability.
@gtrrobster
2 ай бұрын
Great words. Thank you.
@eduardomoreira229
3 ай бұрын
thanks,tim hermoso y verdadero....
@AdamLevyGuitarTips
11 ай бұрын
I love this. Thank you so much, Tim. 😊
@MrMewsique
Жыл бұрын
Great talk and inspirational. I have fallen into the trap of trying to get this lick or that lick up to speed. I would ask myself how do these people learn to play so fast and good. Answer? They consistently play all the time. Duh. I discovered that if I work on one thing everyday for 20 or 30 minutes I actually make progress. Learning to let go of that "thing" and moving on to learning a new tune will yield the results I'm after. Staying stuck on the cool lick or solo is counter productive which is what I've done. Thanks again Tim
@user-bn9xl7mk1r
3 ай бұрын
Thanks Tim, this was exactly what I need to hear this morning. I’ve been practicing a lot lately, getting up at 5 every morning so I can get 2 hours in before work, and feeling like I’m not getting anywhere.
@Voostek
Жыл бұрын
Epiphany=Joy, approaching satisfaction and contentment. Thank you 🥰 .
@joeurbanowski321
6 ай бұрын
I totally get what you’re saying Tim..! Great advice.!
@Deisinoful
2 жыл бұрын
I don't know how to deal with this. On one hand it makes perfectly sense, on the other hand it is the opposite of what I'm doing, and if I look for fun I'm afraid I lose control on my progress, to which I'm strongly motivated. However this speech will keep me thinking for a week.
@TimLerchGuitar
2 жыл бұрын
I really don’t think progress is dependent on the idea of levels, moving through levels may produce linear progress but music isn’t linear and neither are you : ) if you play with curiosity and a clear intention you’ll make progress. What I’m talking about in this video is process. Let your innate love for the music be your guide rather than an arbitrary set of sign posts that falsely indicate “progress”
@pablomerighi335
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Tim! I recovered the joy of learning/playing guitar with your courses for solo guitar from Truefire
@MrBobrguitar
Жыл бұрын
Absolutely!!! Thx for posting!
@jaredforthmusic
2 жыл бұрын
"There's no level to beauty" This is amazing 👏
@GlennMichaelThompson
2 жыл бұрын
Great advice. I've always tried to enjoy creating music wherever I'm at. I'll never be able to play like John McLaughlin or Joe Pass, or "insert name here". It's totally about the process..! I love making stuff up on the spot with sympatico musicians. Been playing and learning for over 45 years and definitely will continue learning for the rest of my days. But playing in the moment is my favourite place to be. Thanks for a great reminder of why we play!!
@martydibergi5228
2 жыл бұрын
Or sigh Lenny Breau
@MartirosHakopianMarHak
Жыл бұрын
I agree with you 100 % ... I am 66 and still growing but my main creations that are lovely just address my feelings .... Feelings are never the same... Lately I play every day and I am just in Love with music and my Guitars that have different tones and give me different ideas and colors . I don't want to sound like someone else. I want to sound like me.... Thanks a lot .... Just play ....
@icymars
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you for the golden words!
@jmoorecareers
2 жыл бұрын
Right on!
@deavonturenvanbobbinne1948
2 жыл бұрын
good video Tim, I started learning at 55 and every day , I'm learning something or discover something on the guitar that gives better insights and all these small progressions make me what I am as a free time musician today. That gives the joy ! knowing thtat It's a constant progress that evolutes with small and bigger steps.
@ozbluesman
2 жыл бұрын
What a great topic. Such an existential problem. What makes us happy? I recently noticed on KZitem a discussion about a young up and coming being “technically “ better than B B King. This is a moot point. Does the music touch your heart and soul? That’s the determinant for me . It’s not a competition and some of the most potent music is simple.
@Burnt_Gerbil
10 ай бұрын
A “level” implies a checklist or something. Everyone’s list will be different. Everyone’s style is different. It’s a moving target. If there’s something that interests you, learn that.
@TimLerchGuitar
10 ай бұрын
I’m just wary if the notion of “Levels” being imposed on a student from outside and adding pressure and dissatisfaction to the learning process.
@moondawg1439
2 жыл бұрын
I couldn’t agree more!!
@ianleemusic
2 жыл бұрын
beautiful, thanks Tim!
@manuelone79
Жыл бұрын
That's true, but only with experience you can achieve this "level" of consciousness, in everything: music, sport, work, and start enjoying the journey.
@nickcirillo6191
2 жыл бұрын
Enjoy 😊
@GrooveDigger808
Жыл бұрын
You're absolutely right. The key is the word 'play'.
@marklarkinsmusic5543
Жыл бұрын
Tim, You nailed it. the joy of Music is the Reason I started, many yrs. ago. Thank You for this particular video! Wonderful meaning.
@MrBobrguitar
2 жыл бұрын
Many years ago I saw a concert by George Van Epps and learned an important lesson. As he played you could see that he had a real joy in playing. In fact, he just kept playing until people started since he was talking to a group of guitarists he spoke about his methods of learning and what he said was that he was a lifetime learner. Yet, at the same time, he enjoyed the music he played at every step. Of course, this didn't mean that he didn't work hard and, that he had days of playing scales and such. As far as I'm concerned, there has to be a certain amount of study in sometimes it can be bored but you then take what you've learned and you play trying to incorporate those skills. I've been playing for 50 years and I to find that every day I desire to learn more and, for me, that is part of the joy of being a musician. Thank you Tim, for making this video.
@nickowen1480
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Tim - for such a sage insight - thanks Nick Australia
@juliangitarre4196
10 ай бұрын
Great video! When I was twelve years old, I got my first guitar and I often played 'Satisfaction' by the Rolling Stones. My time feel was bad and my tone control was even worse, but the feeling I got was phenomenal. It was an escape. It gave me comfort. I felt peaceful. No thoughts about the future and no thoughts about the past. Just pure experience! It's been 30 years, I still play the guitar and it still makes me very happy. Thank you Tim :) I agree with everything you say in this video.
@pablomerighi335
2 жыл бұрын
¡Gracias!
@dijondavies
2 жыл бұрын
Not just a great musician but a beautiful human being
@badscrew4023
Жыл бұрын
Beautifully said
@lexrex3
Жыл бұрын
I love you Tim Lerch for pointing this out. I truly agree. Music is about finding joy. Of course, there are struggles and hurdles one has to overcome. But we can always make music that sounds pleasing wherever we are on our journey. 😊
@africanvikingmakers
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks
@justincheney2925
Жыл бұрын
Fantastic again 🤩👍❤️🙏
@krisruston
Жыл бұрын
Thank you, Tim. I needed this today. :)
@marcaskew61
2 жыл бұрын
Thoughtful and perceptive...a comment from one of the anonymous masses who regularly watches your always valuable clips.
@RdAzambuja
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing all this musical wisdom Master Tim Yoda. I almost can hear you changing words through the frases wile teaching us connect to the force (music)
@JiriPrajzner
2 жыл бұрын
i do four things - listen, technique, my own music and learn music of others. and i agree with what you said in the video.
@umuppet47
Жыл бұрын
Thank you Tim!! I needed that talkin to right about now...........
@guitareordinaire
Жыл бұрын
Wonderful talk 😊
@JaxonBurn
7 ай бұрын
I needed to hear this today, especially the letting go of judgment part. I’m sure I knew this when I started seriously practicing guitar about 3 or 4 years ago (I’ve been playing for about 20 now but never with any seriousness)- but somehow I lost sight of it. I find myself being very critical of my playing lately. I don’t like my tone or my articulation, I just think it sounds sloppy and amateurish-which I’m sure it is to some extent- but it’s odd that I find myself thinking that more now than I used to, even though I’ve definitely improved.
@ThePbird1
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you
@martin.verreault.musique
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you wise man. I like your way of thinking, it reinforces what I started to think in recent years. I come from a classical music background and as a teacher I have noticed a loss of joy in some of my students as they progress technically. I started to focus more on the authenticity of their playing, being present in every note they play, regardless of tempo or sound. The results are mostly positive but it is still a work in progress. Also, I like your playing, thanks for this channel.
@anitadavideduo
2 жыл бұрын
Perfect speech Tim and I also really like the soundtrack!
@toreilly100
2 жыл бұрын
That was Gold Tim!!
@jesussavesrick
2 жыл бұрын
An old saying is “don’t miss the journey for the destination”. Great word brother!! 🙏
@michaelcope9501
Жыл бұрын
Thanks!
@Trombonology
2 жыл бұрын
I found this to be one of your most meaningful, enjoyable and helpful lessons/discussions. Thank you!
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